On a typical December afternoon, 22 back then, Lawson staged a half-hour symphony on the flat as a pancake turf of Dhaka's Bangabandhu National Stadium which soon turned into a crescendo and skittled out a spellbound Bangladesh for 87 from the relative comfort of 80 for four.

When he was done, the right-hand express bowler from Jamaica had taken six wickets for three runs in his spell of 6.5 overs coming in as second change and Bangladesh crashed to their biggest ever defeat in Test cricket, by an innings and 310 runs.

Six months later it was Australia's turn to taste the venom as Lawson ran through the world champions with an elaborate dose of chin music and reverse swing, not to mention frightening pace, as he took seven for 78 to set the tone for the West Indies' record-breaking run chase in St. John's, Antigua.

However, before he could complete his celebrations, news came out that his action had been reported by match-referee Mike Procter and thus started an arduous and frustrating journey back, and he is still on the road. And the whole West Indies is backing him, protecting him.

"Please don't ask him anything regarding his action which he might feel uncomfortable answering," was the request from the manager of the West Indies Board XI that play Bangladesh in the tour opener on Wednesday.

Now having remodelled his action, Lawson is trying to reclaim his place in the West Indies side and has been given the opportunity to prove his mettle against the visitors for the Board XI but the fast bowler will be the first to admit that the circumstances have changed.

"Yes that was a great Test match for me and I just want to do the same again. But Bangladesh have improved a good deal since and we can't take anything for granted," said Lawson during a break from bowling in the nets at the Arnos Vale ground on Tuesday.

But does he feel ready for the big time after months of absence from the game because of injuries and the action controversy?

"I'm feeling okay mentally and physically. The speed and fitness is coming back and I just want to keep working on it and I'm looking forward to the match against Bangladesh.

"At the moment I'm looking more for consistency. Speed is something which comes naturally for me so I'm not worried about that," said Lawson.

And then the inevitable question; Did he ever think that there was something wrong in his action and what has changed since? By this time Lawson was much more relaxed and took it in his stride.

"You wouldn't want to get into that 'cause everything has been sorted out. It's been a rough time and I'm now looking forward to playing for the West Indies once again. As for remodelling, nothing much has changed.

"You got to understand it was really tough not playing first-class or Test cricket for a year. I took the setback as a motivation and worked harder. So, now I just want to get back to where I was."

During those trying days Lawson was fortunate to have his idol by his side.

"When my action was reported, I went to Courtney Walsh and he helped me a lot. I also spoke to Michael Holding and also some other players."